Finding an affordable classic Mopar project candidate that is essentially solid and has a V8 under the hood is becoming challenging. However, they are out there if an enthusiast is willing to be patient. This 1967 Dodge Coronet 440 Hardtop confirms that, and the new owner could treat it as a blank canvas to create the car of their dreams. Returning it to active service will take more than a weekend’s workshop tinkering, but the foundations are there to create something genuinely exciting. The Coronet is listed here on Craigslist in Nacogdoches, Texas. It could be yours for $4,950, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Spencer D for spotting this diamond in the rough.
The “440” was Dodge’s mid-level offering within the Coronet range in 1967. Buyers could opt for a Station Wagon or Convertible, but this car’s original owner selected the sporting Hardtop variant. They ordered it in Code Z Gold, and its panels retain that shade. It looks pretty tired, and a cosmetic refresh is required to recapture its former glory. Stripping the panels as part of a high-end build is probably the best approach, providing an ideal opportunity to perform a color change. The seller states that the vehicle has very little rust but doesn’t specify where this might be beyond the visible minor spots on the lower extremities. The Dodge has spent its life in a dry climate, which augers well for its structural integrity. I can spot a few panel bumps and bruises, but nothing demanding new steel. Some trim pieces may require restoration or replacement, and the new owner needs to source another windshield because the original tinted item is badly cracked. However, the remaining glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade project.
Lifting the Dodge’s hood reveals the original 318ci V8. The car also features a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power steering. This V8 would have produced 230hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. This combination delivered a ¼-mile ET of 16.4 seconds, which was considered pretty respectable for a daily driver in 1967. The Coronet is mechanically complete, but there might be some underlying issues for the new owner to consider. The seller indicates it needs a new motor but not why this is the case. It suggests some type of major internal malfunction or that it is locked. It would be worth investigating for those focused on originality, although it also means that slotting in something more potent to improve performance could prove irresistible.
The Coronet’s interior is trimmed in White vinyl and isn’t as baked as many might expect. The front seatcover would probably respond to deep cleaning, but a complete retrim would seem logical since the remaining upholstered surfaces show their age. That won’t be cheap, but as a long-term investment, the cost is justified. The only missing items are the radio and wheel center, while it scores points due to the original owner’s decision to order this classic with air conditioning.
So, what would be your plans if this 1967 Dodge Coronet 440 Hardtop found its way into your workshop? Would a faithful restoration be your focus, or would creating an R/T clone prove irresistible? The second option would unlock significant power gains and transform it into a car with muscle credentials. However, ignoring those choices and opting for something genuinely unique with custom paint and trim might tick the boxes. I don’t know which approach I would choose, but do you? More importantly, are you tempted to transform that dream into reality?
I’m a bit confused. I thought the ‘440’ referred to engine size but this Dodge has an ‘original’ 318. What don’t I understand? Thanks.
It’s a body style. I thought the same thing when I first clicked. I wonder what came first the Coronet 440 or the 440 engine?
Coronet came in two body styles, 500 (upgrade) and the 440 (body style NOT engine) 1966 was first year for 426 Hemi available to the public / I owned a 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 – auto 426 Hemi cost $4700
A Cross Ram Induction 413 sounds nice, or a 528 Crate Hemi sounds even better, but an old motor home 440 with low miles is the cheapest way to start off while getting the rest of the car together and you have a running driving project while saving up to go to the next level under the hood! Already cradled for the Big Block V8 plus ac leaves a lot of potential here! Remember this, even with a sign on it that says “I’m an RT Clone with a non matching Hemi” will still pull over $80K in the end, only costing half that to build it makes this one very tempting!
Affordable project compared to many on this site.
Daniel, 440 was a trim level. Like Silverado or something like that
I would think a rebuild of the motor, with 360 components, would prove to up the ponies, and on a decently modest budget, while maintaining the “original” numbers match on the motor. It’s probably in the near 2 ton weight class, so, sleeper would seem the way to go, in my opinion. I do prefer the original look of most of the classic cars anyway.
Johnny I agree with the sleep look and keep the 318 there’s enough after market heads to throw on it and a nigh498 lift cam nice rumble to it and breath nicely wit a new cam. Clean up the bottom end ohh a double roller timing chain works nice. It’s what I did in my pwr wagon
This was my first car back in the mid-70s. I had a “White Hat Special” exactly like the one featured in Dodge’s 1967 car ads – dark blue metallic with a white vinyl top and a white interior. It had a 318 and AC, too. Was a nice car for the time I had it, and it was arrow straight. Sold in 1983, I replaced it with a 1963 Dodge 440 wagon. Never saw it again after I sold it, but I hope it survived, because it was still almost like new despite having very high miles (over 200k).
Seeing this beauty is a blast from the past, but (except for my Imperials) I’ve been a die-hard wagon guy since 1983.
I paid $50 for the same car in the mid 80’s with a dent in the rear quarter panel.
I junked it after a bit and they wouldn’t give me any money, so I put a brick on the gas pedal until it seized. The 318 was worn, but went out in a cloud of smoke!
LS swap of course with turbos too. 😂
You’re so original and hilarious to boot!
Been for sale for awhile now and I’m sure it was cheaper…..
I would go for sporty bucket seats and center console shifter options. Then stroke out the original 318 c.i. to 390. They make conversions kits for around 3k turn key. That give the original engine over 400 HP.
If money, time and skill were not limited? Most definitely an R/T clone. It would be a really fun project.
Can i assume these are not factory steel wheels? – could these maybe Dorman? ones be lighter in weight than the factory ones?
Ironically, I Still have, From NEW, a Similar 1967 Coronet 500 2 door
HT, 318 V8,- Automatic. Silver option…..There Are BOTH, A 440 Coronet model, AND 440 engine,, though the 440 engine became
Available in 1967, on the ‘Coronet
R/T’…..Text or call Alan Werner (248) 678-1983, ANY Day after
12 pm/noon, Eastern time.
There was a green 69 when I was 17. Mint condition other than faded paint. Buckets and a center console. $600.00. Doesn’t seem like a lot and in today’s money it isn’t but it was different for a 17 year old kid in 79. I tried everything to try and get that car. Even work for the guy after my regular job but it was always the same answer. Bring the cash. Having to pay for life and such, it took a while to get the money. Of course the way things go, he sold it three days before I saved enough for it. 50 years later I still see that car sitting by the fence in his yard. Of all the cars I’ve owned and it has been a lot (an AWFUL lot) none of them had the same hold on me as that 69 Dodge Coronet 500 still has. Memories. Where would we be without them?
Sorry…..40 years later. 😶
I had the same car in high school and had a 318.